PepsiCo signs potato farming MoU with Vietnam

Created: Monday, 13 October 2014 08:00

PepsiCo Vietnam annually source around four million tonnes of potatoes from thousands of local farmers across the globe. (Image source: sethoscope /Flickr) PepsiCo Vietnam has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with department of agriculture and rural development (DARD) and Phivang Collaboration of Farmers to introduce a sustainable potato-farming model in Lam Dong province

PepsiCo Vietnam and Phivang Collaboration of Farmers will decide a fixed price for the purchase of potatoes at the start of each growing season. This will assure farmers that they have a buyer for their potatoes at a price that is not subject to market fluctuations, said the company in a statement.

DARD will, meanwhile, provide financial assistance to farmers to purchase potato seeds and other inputs for the growing season. Phivang Collaboration of Farmers will unite farmers to negotiate a stable price for the potatoes and provide a forum for farmers to exchange growing techniques.

Huy Nguyen Duc, general manager of PepsiCo Vietnam, said, “Along with our partners, DARD and the Phivang Collaboration of Farmers, we want to use our combined experience and know-how to work with potato farmers in Vietnam and to play a positive role in the success of sustainable contract farming across Vietnam.”

The MoU will benefit around 50 small-scale farmers of Vietnam. PepsiCo Vietnam will also provide technical agronomy support to the farmers through sharing best practice on techniques to improve yields, save water and promote sustainable agriculture.